OPTi digital handheld refractometer

The OPTi® Digital Handheld Refractometer is a simple-to-use, accurate, pocket sized refractometer with 50 different scales to choose from within a generous onboard library. With its striking blue colour, easy clean prism dish and easy-to-read LCD display the OPTi refractometer is like having a miniature laboratory instrument in your pocket. 

Let's get digital

The OPTi Digital Handheld Refractometer is an instrument for measuring the refractive index of a substance. It may be used to control the dissolved solids or blend ratios of numerous products from fresh fruit to industrial chemicals using a minimal amount of sample. 

Thanks to its digital measuring system and shallow stainless steel prism dish the OPTi Digital Handheld Refractometer enables you to take readings safely, quickly and efficiently in the palm of your hand. No potentially hazardous sample near your eyes, no wasted sample, and no mess. Just clear, reliable readings.

50 Common refractometer scales in one device

Packed full of useful scales that cover a range of different applications. All OPTi refractometers from Refractometer Shop come complete with an onboard library of 50 scales including 1.33-1.53 Refractive Index, °Baume, Ethylene Glycol, Colostrum Quality, Starch percentage, 0-95 °Brix, and more.

To download a copy of the full scale list click here.

Full 0-95 °Brix range

Whilst most other companies like to charge more for the higher ends of the Brix scale, we have chosen to do something a little different. Every OPTi Digital Handheld Refractometer now comes with the full 0-95 °Brix range as standard – why pay more for less?

3 Useable scales 

With OPTi refractometers the choice is all yours.  Up to 3 scales are readily available at the touch of a button, making the OPTi one of the most versatile and feature-rich refractometers on the market. Winemakers for instance, now have the option of using just one refractometer to measure Brix (%Mass) on scale A, grape must in °Baume on scale B, and alcohol by volume (by way of the Zeiss scale and hydrometer) on scale C. 

Want to change the preselected scales on your new OPTi? No problem! Take a look at our "How to" video to learn how to switch between different scales and other parameters. 

Automatic Temperature Compensation

The measurement of refractive index is dependent on the temperature of the sample at the instrument measurement stage (prism). For the most part (98%) refractive index scales are set at 20°C so any variation from this temperature must be corrected in accordance with the sample type. Unfortunately each sample type will have a different correction factor based on its make-up and each type will vary as its concentration changes form low to high. Traditionally correction tables, suitably matched to the sample type would be supplied in paper format requiring a calculation to correct the reading “as if it were taken at 20°C”. This can be complex and may lead to errors.

However, for digital refractometers, the temperature correction table is provided within the instrument and applied automatically to the reading relative to the measured temperature, actual temperature and the concentration of the sample. In so doing, digital refractometers with relevant Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) are not only much easier and faster to use; they are far more reliable in terms of the final result achieved when considering the additional advantage of digital borderline detection in comparison to a visual interpretation when using a manual (optical) refractometer.

Fits in your pocket

Pocket sized and easy to use, OPTi refractometers are perfect for taking measurements on-the-go. Whether it be in the vineyard testing grape ripeness (grape must) at harvest, or in a factory with industrial chemicals, the compact design of the OPTi refractometer enables users to take readings wherever they are in the world.

Calibration and AG test mode

All OPTi refractometers incorporate a unique "AG Test Mode" that, unlike other makes of handheld refractometers that dictate the need to use short shelf-life and hence expensive sucrose based solutions for verification, facilitates the use of long-life, non-toxic, traceable AG Fluid calibration materials without having to consider scale range or compensation type.

Water ZERO calibration on all models, no matter what the scale range or type - no need for expensive sucrose solutions.

Ergonomic and durable design

Built using stainless steel injection molding to construct the elegant easy-clean prism dish and ultrasonic welding to bond the housings and a rubberised switch membrane to protect against moisture ingress you can be sure the OPTi is ready for whatever you throw at it.

Supplied with certificate of verification

A Certificate of Verification is supplied with all OPTi refractometers confirming that the instrument has been individually tested using UKAS Certified Reference Materials. Should you require a formal Certificate of Verification showing test values and actual measurement results, please add this product to your order. Similarly, a fixed price re-certification service is also available from Bellingham + Stanley.

Can't find the scale you're looking for? Speak to our friendly customer service team to find out how we can help.